The ultimate triathlon event.

BLACKROLL® is once againthe recovery partner for Challenge Roth.

From June 22 to 26, 2023,the world’s largest long-distance triathlon competition took placein Middle Franconia: the DATEV Challenge Roth. To ensure thatthe 4,150 participants from 90 nationscould successfullyswim 3.8 km,cycle 180 km, andrun 42.2 km,BLACKROLL®was on handbefore, during, and after the grueling event tosupport effective recovery.  

In addition to the world-famous competitionat Triathlonpark Roth,the accompanyingEXPO is alsoan absolute highlight: it is the world’s largest triathlon trade show. We are proud to say that the BLACKROLL® booth was a resounding success.

Over the course of five days, more than 300,000 people attended the entire event and visited themore than 100 sports and healthbrands at the EXPO.

  Enjoy our little story marathon!

First discipline: The Challenge Roth 

In 1982, 83 triathletes took the starting line in Roth for the first time. By 1998, 4,000 registration applications had already been received by mail, and in 2015, the available spots were snapped up online in just 70 seconds: a legend was born!

The Challenge Roth attracts triathlon fans from all over the world. On June 25, 2023, a diverse crowd cheered on the thousands of participants, many of whom were among the world’s absolute best. Right on time at 6:30 a.m., the first athletes jumped into the Main-Danube Canal to tackle the first 3.8 km of the colossal 226-km course. This is followed by 180 km through the beautiful countryside of Middle Franconia, with a total elevation gain of 1,200 meters. After the toughest stretch—a 10 % climb—athletes are rewarded by an euphoric crowd on Solarer Berg, cheering them on up close and loudly—so much so that riders are often separated from the crowds on both sides by nothing more than the width of their handlebars. 

The 42.2-km running course also winds through the beautiful countryside surrounding the triathlon stronghold of Roth and ends at the finish line in the famous triathlon stadium in the city park. In addition to the overwhelming feeling of having made it, thousands of cheering fans await there—along with BLACKROLL® offering top-notch recovery support.

The Top Rankings of Challenge Roth 2023

2023 was the year of the record-breakers! In the men’s race, Denmark’s Magnus Ditlev set a new world record while defending his title. In the women’s race, Daniela Ryf claimed victory and beat a 12-year-old world record by a full 10 minutes.   

Men’s Results: 

1. Magnus Ditlev (DEN): 7:24:40 (world record)
2. Patrick Lange (GER): 7:30:04h
3. Ben Kanute (USA): 7:37:01h 

Women’s Results: 

1. Daniela Ryf (SUI): 8:08:21 (world record) 
2. Anne Haug (GER): 8:21:09
3. Laura Philipp (GER): 8:25:21h

   

Second Discipline: BLACKROLL® – The Recovery Partner

As the official recovery partner, BLACKROLL® was on site with a wide range of tools and a wealth of expertise to support the athletes before, during, and after their extraordinary performances. Few other sports challenge so many muscle groups as intensely as triathlon—especially in long-distance events.   

BLACKROLL® was right where it was needed

Support for the participants ranged from swim training on Friday and Saturday before the race to the transition zones. And of course, we were on hand at the finish line with massages and recovery treatments. 

 

Third Discipline: EXPO – The World’s Largest Triathlon Expo

We tried to make the most of our front-row EXPO box seat and offered, sold, and made available for testing everything we could at our 40-qm booth. Speaking of “possible”: The six BOOTS test stations for the 360° massage from the soles of the feet to the hips in the Recovery Area were constantly busy and, together with the BALM, a real treat for thousands of pairs of legs.

The Sleepworld test station featuring BASE, PILLOW, and BLANKETS was also very popular. By Saturday, all PILLOWs were completely sold out.

Our Roll-out Area with the BOOSTER SET TWIN, as well as our test station for RECOVERY BALM & FASCIA GUN, provided almost as many recovery moments as our cozy chill-out area with the friendly folks from Power Bar. 

Perfect for Challenge Roth: a trade show experience like no other

For us, it was five magnificent, exciting, and simply wonderful days filled with great encounters and fantastic conversations. We’d like to thank everyone who visited us at our EXPO booth in Roth—and who eagerly tested our BLACKROLL® products.     

We’re already looking forward to the next Challenge Roth in 2024—and hopefully we’ll see you there (again) then!